We became first-time moms within nine months of each other, and although we didn’t realize it at the time, we both entered motherhood with high expectations. Yet today, with eight kids between us, our optimistic expectations have toppled under the pressures of everyday life. Just like when we ... [keep reading]
How to Find Your Ministry as a Mom
I used to feel guilty about not doing my part in sharing God’s love with those around me. When my kids were babies, I felt as if all of my time was consumed with doing the laundry, changing dirty diapers, and keeping the house clean. If I didn’t even have time to take a shower, how was I going to ... [keep reading]
What to Do When You’re Feeling Lonely
I am the mom of eight children. I am the grandmother of three grandchildren and the mother-in-law to two sons. I am a wife, a friend, an auntie. I’m not just surrounded by people either. We have sixteen chickens, two miniature horses, a donkey, three dogs, three cats, and a turtle. To tell the ... [keep reading]
What Will You Do with the “Rest” of Summer?
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him (Psalm 62:1). Summer vacation. The words conjure images of a loaded-down vehicle, perhaps pulling a trailer or items secured to the top with a multiplexity of bungee cords. And kids. Kids everywhere. Your kids, their friends, nieces and ... [keep reading]
Why You Should Bring Fruit on Your Next Family Trip
My family loves traveling together. Whether it’s driving to a national park or visiting the beach, we’ve made all kinds of memories on the road. Can I be honest, though? Some of our trips haven’t been filled with 100 percent happy memories. Some—okay, all—of them have involved at least one fight ... [keep reading]
Trust God to Help You Grow and Bloom
I’ve shared my experience with gardening here before and how I tremble at the thought of pruning my plants. To be honest with you, friends, I have gained confidence in adding new plants to the yard, but I still find myself hesitant and a little anxious to pick up the pruning shears and cut back the ... [keep reading]
Stop Swimming in Doubt About How God Made You
I put on a swimsuit today. No, not for me but for the sake of my kids. I should tell you first that I’ve never struggled with being overweight, but I’ve also never not struggled with my weight. In the fifth grade I became aware of how I looked in a swimsuit. Nobody said anything to me. I had ... [keep reading]
4 Great Ideas for Limiting Screen Time This Summer
“Mom, can you add more time for me?” This question has been on repeat in my house this summer. In my attempt to limit my kids’ screen time, I’ve set automatic timers that shut down their devices when they’ve reached their limit. It’s built-in accountability for them and me. But inevitably, ... [keep reading]
Connecting with Your Kids when Summer Boredom Sets In
“I’m bored, Mama! There’s nothing to do….” As a kid, I couldn’t wait for summer vacation. But that excitement usually faded by July when I realized there wasn’t as much to do at home as there was to do in school. I grew up in a rural area, and we didn’t have a TV in the house. That meant my ... [keep reading]
How to Deal with Your Child’s Prickly Behavior
Blackberries are ripening in Indiana. The warm, rainy summer has left our crop of berries abundant. Behind our barn on the east side of our property, the blackberry bushes grow wild, twisting and climbing, weaving their way over old tree stumps and hiding the fresh fruit behind tall weeds. I love to ... [keep reading]
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